Origami Dolls and Angels

I'm pleased to see you today!

Last week, I showed you how to make these origami dolls:

They are made from gift wrap tissue and cardboard following this origami doll tutorial. I used a black Sharpie to draw the face and white glue to keep the folds from unravelling and to attach the accessories (ex. belt, heart).  

Today, I'm going to show you some clever uses for these origami dolls.

By adding the origami doll to a gift bag, the package transforms from blah to TADA!

The origami doll is glued on to a wooden clothespin. 

It easily clips on, looks very adorable, and can be used over and over again...TADA!

Following the same process, I used a combination of gift wrap tissue and construction paper to make these purple-hued origami dolls.

I turned them into angels by gluing on some wings also made from construction paper...TADA! 

I made a care package for a longtime friend and I just had to include an origami angel. You can see her instantly from inside the clear envelope. 

Here are some items I put inside the care package: a handmade bookmark, a handwritten card, a sheet of stickers, and the origami angel. 

It was my intention to send my friend a guardian angel.

I added this prayer of protection at the back of the origami angel. I hope my friend will be safe wherever she goes. 

These origami angels can also be enclosed in fun snail mail or customer orders if you own an on-line shop.

Thoughtful touches like these can turn packages from blah to TADA!

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Stationery from Japan

Hey there, lovely to see you today!

I was given this sweet package from family members who took a trip to Tokyo, Japan:

The packaging is simple but the shop's stamp and sticker are both cute and effective. As an added detail, a small origami doll was included...TADA!

Have a look at the gifts inside. 

The long envelope contained three bookmarks. The material is similar to grasscloth that gives the bookmarks some texture. I just love the kissing bunnies and I can't wait to use them (and I do read two or more books at the same time)!

This is a book containing notepaper. The paper also has texture and I can imagine it would be lovely to write on with a felt-tip pen.

I love stationery and the ones from Japan are beautiful and are of very good quality. As with the rest of my stationery, I always wait for the perfect occasion to use them. 

Now, can we return to the origami doll decorating the package? I'm quite obsessed. I want to make my own version, too.

I looked through my stash of paper remnants left over from card making and scrapbooking and trimmed the paper into squares measuring 3.5 inches by 3.5 inches.

Using this origami doll tutorial, I made these dolls using construction paper, gift wrap remnants, and security envelopes...TADA! I used white glue to hold the folds in place.

These origami dolls are made from construction paper, floral gift tissue, and card stock (heads/faces)...TADA!

Here is a variation...short hair and floral accents. 

Just by adding paper wings, my origami dolls are now angels...TADA!

And that is how I turned my paper stash from blah to TADA!

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Three Thoughts for July

Happy July Everyone!

Here are a few little thrills now that the summer months in the U.S. are in full swing:

1. Fourth of July Fireworks

Independence Day is always capped with a display of fireworks, the most popular being the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks live in New York City and broadcast on TV. Did you catch it? It's a show that never gets old, always leaving children and adults in awe.

Our town and the neighboring towns have our own fireworks display. It's usually held in a park where people can picnic and play, until it's dark enough for the light show to begin. A community gathering and a festive atmosphere turns the start of July from blah to TADA!

2. Books and Trips to the Beach

I'm all about summer reading lists and book recommendations. I take a book with me wherever I go (along with a handmade bookmark) -- it keeps me occupied when I have to wait and deters me from scrolling on my phone. Of course, reading on the beach is on top of the list around this time of year...TADA!

3. Always Have Snacks

I love me a good snack: chips, biscuits, cookies, trail mix, chocolate, candy, you name it! I'll always have some around so that I'm ready when the craving hits. That's why I got such a kick out of this storage solution/art installation:

I saw this candy cabinet at a department store and thought this would be a cool DIY project for furniture that needs a new lease on life like an old medicine cabinet. Just add the cheeky message, "In case of emergency break glass" using alphabet stickers, stencils or brush lettering...TADA!

Wishing you lots of thrills this July!